The Arizona sentinel. [volume] (Arizona City [Yuma], Yuma County, A.T. [Ariz.]) 1872-1911, 1887-12-31

| h,
| all.
Doctor Blake turned very pale as he
heard these words not intended for his ear.
But pulling himself together with an effort,
he stepped forward
At his unexpected appearance Doris
gave a sudden start and, crimsoning to her
fair temple, threw cloth over the portrait
But not before Doctor Blake had caught q
glimpse Of his nephew's broad white fore
heal and expressive eyes
The Doctor, pretending to have heard and
seen nothing, greeted Paul with his usual
easy courtesy. But that usually self-pos-
sessed young man, muttering something
about previous engagement, made hasty
exit, leaving the Doctor and his ward alone
together.
Silent and distrait, and utterly unlike the
happy young girl who was accustomed to
greet him with her brightest smile, Doris
stood with downcas5 eyes seemingly intent
on studying the colorS on her palette.
Now his nephew's fragmentary speech
had completely upset Doctor Blake--if 1
may use the homcly simile. He lad known
for some time that Paul had persistently
haunted Doris studio to the sc 3ndal of Mrs
Mack, and his own secret uneas.neSS. But
that matters had gone so far he never
dreamed
Yet, being a brave man. DR.. Blake crushed
down his rebeliious feelings. He had come
on a mission of peace A little tineSse might
be advisable, for impulsive Doris was not
apt to listen patiently when Mrs Mack,
whom she exceedingly disliked, was the
topic Perhaps he had better begin by
mentioning the invitation that morning re-
ceived and accepted for himself and Doris
to eat their NV Years dinner with the
MarstonS Thus he could lead up to the
topic desired by slow degrees.
Il suppose Doris, " said the Doctor, break
ing an awkward silence 'that-e'r-Mrs.
Mack has told you we are engaged"
she has just given me to understand so
yes" coldly interrupted Doris
This was not encouraging. He would beat
about the bush no longer but mention his
errand at once.
"As You know, Doris" again began Dr.
Black, nervously clearing his throat, Mrs.
Mack is a most excellent housekeeper, and
We"
Doris beautiful face, as pale Gs death, was
suddenly turned toward him. checking his
further explanation.
II do not care to listen to q recital of Mrs
Mack's accomplishments or virtues" cried
Doris, with passionate resentment mike
the Doris he knew-''she and l are thor
oughly antagonistic. Is does not matter
though" she said, with a sudden half pa
thetic change OF voice and manner-''we
shall not trouble each other in the future
II have accepted an offer 1 received to-
day and shall no longer be dependent on
your-bounty."
= Though stricken to the heart Dr. Blake
tn ctO TJa
waited moment for Doris to explain
further, but Doris was dumb Could he
have seen her quivering lips he might have
known the reason.
" hope you may be happy in your new
life, Doris" It cost Dr.. Blake n tremen-
dOus effort to say this Too well he knew
the weak will and vac Hating purpose of
his nephew, who would never succeed in
his calling, simply from lack of energy and
application And this was the man who
had won his pretty ward!
Thank you" said Doris, in a low tone
But, as she suddenly lifted her deep, sharp
eyes to his own, what was it that, for one
brief moment he fancied he saw in their
inscrutable depths?
All the self-repressed passion of his nat
ure rose suddenly to the surface For the
first time in his years of guardianship, Dr.
Paul Blake forgo5 to hold himself in check
Crossing the space between them with
single stride, DR. Blake seized both Doris
small hands in his own:
Doris, my darling-can it be possible?"
he exclaimed, in half bewiIderment
And his voice, as wei as the love-light
shining from his eyes, supplied what was
lacking of further speech
flood of tell-tale crimson suffussd the
fair girls brow, cheeks and neck
'' How dare you'll hate you, Dr. Blake"
she impetuously cried, in the same breath
And wrenching herself from his detaining
grasp, Doris, hiding her hot face in her
hands, burst into an agony of weeping.
Well would dismayei Dr.. Blake have de-
sired to kiss away her tears, as when Doris
wss tiny maiden But-she hated him;
that settled it Exhaling a sigh, which
seemed to come from his boot-soles the
doctor turned, anI made his way hastily
downstairs. Doris waited till the echo of
his footsteps had died away; then, drying
her eyes on diminutive handkerchief, she
stamped her small foot with considerable
energy.
Il am nothing but a young tool" she
said, with an unconscious echo of similar
admission on DR.. BIake's part little be-
fore. The adjectives only being changed
Removing the cloth from the partly-com-
pleted portrait, Doris seized her palette
and with the ghost of tender smile on her
quiyering lips fell to painting with nervous
haste
Il must finish it before New Years." she
said to herself And resolutely crowding
down her emotions, Doris worked steadily
till dinner time
To her relief DR.. Blake was absent max
ing his professional round Mrs Mack
glanced at the traces of recent tears on
Doris pale cheek with ill-copcealed tri-
umph as the young girl, bending over her
plate, made pretense Of eating
@The Doctor says you're thinking of leav-
ing Us" smoothly remarked the widow, after
vainly waiting for Doris to break the
silence.
"Yes," was the-coldly monosyllabic reply.
well may be it's for the best" responded
Mrs Mack steadily eyeing her shrinking
victim, Sfor naturally you don't feel like
being beholden to any one longer'n n you can
help though as PAUL. mean the Doctor
says he didn't mind the extra expense while
he was single with only himself to care for
But now, why"
Here Mrs. Mack checked herself and coyly
dropped her eyes to the table cloth, corner
OF which she was plating between her
fingers in seeming confusion
Neither DR.. Blake or yourself need fear
being burdened with me much longer re-
piled Doris, with quiet scorn. And as she
rose and lett the room, Mrs Mack smiled
"One of US will leave, but it won't be
Althea Mack, she remarked, in triumphant
confidence, to herself But this remains to
be seen
Slowly the old year dragged his tagging